On Friday, 25 July 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa led a National and Provincial Government Meeting in Kimberley, Northern Cape, at Sol Plaatje University (SPU), bringing together National and Provincial leaders, including the Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, Executive Mayors from the Northern Cape’s five district municipalities, Ministers, Deputy Ministers and senior officials. The focus of this meeting was on economic growth and service delivery under the theme ‘A Nation that Works for All.’
In his opening remarks, President Cyril Ramaphosa described the Northern Cape as an economic pioneer and frontier of innovation, particularly in the clean energy revolution. He highlighted the province’s significant surge in power projects, notably solar and green hydrogen, and its vision of being a leader in renewable energy. The President also noted persistent challenges faced by the province, such as poverty, unemployment and the access to basic services which cast a shadow over development efforts. President Ramaphosa expressed his eagerness to hear how the province plans to position itself for further growth.
After the cabinet meeting, the newly appointed Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Buti Manamela, was formally welcomed to SPU and the Northern Cape by University Registrar, Dr Jody Cedras, during a warm meet-and-greet. The meeting not only served as an opportunity to congratulate the newly appointed Minister on his new role, but also to affirm SPU’s commitment to advancing higher education in the province.
The presence of the national and provincial leadership on the University’s campus demonstrates SPU’s growing role as a strategic partner in higher education and regional development.
